Hey {{first_name|default:there}}, itâs Vadim đ
If youâre raising capital for a biotech company, your investor list might start with the same familiar venture firms.
Thatâs all good and well, but thereâs a new generation of fund managers worth getting to know - investors who are building funds and deploying capital to address systemic challenges theyâve experienced firsthand.
Ashley MarĂn, founder and GP of Scirena BioVentures, is one of those managers.
When Ashley explored launching a biomaterials startup, her search for research facilities and support took her to Mexico.
What she encountered, she couldnât unsee: talented scientists with limited pathways to the investors, partners, and entrepreneurial networks that could help them build companies.
Today, sheâs building bridges between Mexico and the U.S. to help close those very gaps.
In this weekâs conversation, we explore what it takes to raise a fund, how Ashley evaluates founders, and the resources early-stage companies can tap into on both sides of the border.
Hereâs what we covered with Ashley:
What it takes to raise a first fund, how Ashley approaches investor relationships, and what founders can learn from her experience
How she evaluates founders, from customer understanding to willingness to pivot
The resources and partnerships biotech founders can explore in Mexico and the U.S.
What to look for in an investor beyond capital
How building a community can help you navigate the uncertainty of starting a company, even if you think you donât have a ânetworkâ
You can watch the full interview or listen via your podcast platform of choice below.
Listen + subscribe: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube
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